2013 - Baylor Red Raiders

2013 - Baylor Red Raiders

Baylor junior Nick Tiano, left, will assume the quarterback job full time this fall.

Baylor junior Nick Tiano, left, will assume...

Photo by
Staff File Photo
/Times Free Press.

Baylor Red Raiders

Coach: Phil Massey (52-29 in seven years here; 114-65 in 15 years overall)

Last year: 8-4, lost 20-14 to MUS in second playoff game

'13 dreams: Although the Red Raiders are not as big as previous teams, this group is as strong or stronger overall than any Massey has fielded. Too, he says this is a close-knit bunch with a strong sense of team. There are high expectations despite participation in one of the two or three toughest districts/regions in the state. Much of the optimism centers on quarterback Nick Tiano, who shared time a year ago with Michael O'Connor, who transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and committed to Penn State. Tiano, although just a junior, is drawing major college interest, including from Vanderbilt. The Raiders are expecting a breakout season from diminutive senior running back George Porter, who has played since his freshman season and who broke vertical jump and shuttle marks by current pro baseball player Tyler Massey and current UTC quarterback Jacob Huesman, respectively.

13-for-13 contenders: Tiano, a 6-foot-4, 205-pounder, pretty much matched O'Connor throw-for-throw and was apparently on the verge of winning sole possession of the quarterback job when O'Connor transferred. Senior kicker Rafael Gaglianone is drawing at least as much attention from recruiters as Tiano. He is rated as a top-five kicker by most of the national recruiting services.

Number of interest: The Red Raiders scored at least 13 points in all 12 of their games last year, actually averaging 27.7. They also held half of their opponents to 13 or fewer points, including a shutout against Pope John Paul II.

13 years ago: David Bibee was beginning his first season as the Red Raiders' head coach. Bibee, now a Middle Tennessee State assistant who recruits the Chattanooga area, took Baylor to a 7-4 record that first year and had a 32-30 record in six seasons at Baylor.

Program superstition: For home games the Red Raiders walk the "Tiger Walk" from the athletic building to the stadium. Before and after every game the team kneels down and recites the Lord's Prayer.

1-through-3: Running back George Porter

Q. Do you participate in other sports?

A. I used to do track. My dad tried to push me that way and I can run, but I've never had a problem being in shape. I don't like sitting out there waiting all day for my event. My biggest thing was to gain weight, lift with the team and put on some pounds.

Q. Are you disappointed with your career?

A, You always could do better. My sophomore year I had an injury (a high-ankle sprain) and a bit of a slump, but last year I had a good year. I wouldn't take anything away from my experience. You have to go through some tough times to be a stronger person, and I'm better for it.

Q. Who's the best player on the team?

A. There really isn't one. You have people that make plays, but it's 11 guys out there at a time. In previous years we've had stars, but this year it's all of us being one star. I have my personal goals, but I don't really care about them. Football is a team game and each player has to do his assignment.